This project was built and designed by Brady Hommel. It’s a practical kitchen upgrade that converts a standard cabinet into a hidden pull-out trash solution, offering both convenience and cleaner aesthetics.
If your kitchen trash can constantly clutters up the floor or gets in the way, this project solves that problem with a smooth-sliding drawer. It’s a simple and efficient build that can be completed in just a day using basic tools and off-the-shelf materials.
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Planning the Project and Measuring
To start, you’ll need to choose the cabinet where your trash can will go. Measure both the cabinet opening and the garbage can itself to ensure a good fit. Allow for some clearance on the sides for drawer slides—subtracting about an inch from the cabinet width is a good rule of thumb for determining the drawer’s overall width.
It’s also important to check for plumbing or hinge obstructions inside the cabinet. Taking these into account early will help avoid surprises later in the build.
Cutting and Shaping the Drawer Components
The drawer is built using plywood, with pieces cut to size for the front, back, and sides. The front panel is intentionally taller to support the load when the drawer is pulled out, while the back panel is shorter since it only needs to keep the trash can secure.
Angled cuts may be needed depending on the depth and slope of your cabinet. Brady carefully shapes the side panels to match the cabinet’s structure, ensuring the drawer sits comfortably inside without binding.
Pocket Hole Joinery and Dados
To join the frame pieces, pocket holes are drilled into the ends of the front and back boards. These holes are hidden once the drawer is assembled and installed, preserving a clean, finished look.
A pocket hole jig set to the appropriate material thickness helps make this step quick and accurate. After the holes are drilled, a groove or dado is cut into each panel to hold the bottom of the drawer—this helps create a snug, secure fit.
Dry Fit and Assembly
Brady dry fits the pieces to test the sizing and confirms the bottom panel fits neatly inside the dado grooves. A little play is acceptable to account for wood movement or cutting variations.
Before final assembly, all edges are sanded to remove splinters and sharp corners. This step is especially important for parts that will remain visible when the drawer is in use.
Once everything is prepared, the pieces are joined with pocket screws and wood glue. The sides are attached to the front first, followed by the bottom panel, then the back.
Installing the Drawer Slides
Mounting the slides is often the trickiest part of the build. Brady uses scrap plywood to create mounting supports inside the cabinet, helping to keep the drawer slides level and square.
The slides are attached to both the cabinet interior and the drawer sides, making sure everything stays flush. Accuracy here is critical—improper alignment will cause the drawer to stick or tilt.
Once installed, the drawer is tested for smooth operation. Small adjustments may be needed to level the motion or reduce friction during extension and retraction.
Mounting the Handle and Final Touches
With the drawer functioning properly, a handle is added to the front panel. Centering the handle near the top provides easy access and complements the look of most cabinet setups.
Any extra holes or imperfections from the installation are filled with wood filler. If your cabinets are painted, a quick touch-up coat can make the drawer look factory-installed. For stained or natural wood cabinets, wood putty can be used to blend seamlessly with the finish.
Benefits of a Pull-Out Trash System
This kitchen upgrade doesn’t just look better—it works better. Keeping the trash can hidden reduces odors and visual clutter, while also making cleanup easier with everything tucked away behind a cabinet door.
Brady’s version is fully customizable to fit different cabinet sizes and garbage can styles. Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen or just looking for small improvements, this project offers great functionality with minimal effort.
Why This Is a Great DIY Weekend Project
The project doesn’t require a large shop or expensive tools, making it ideal for beginners or anyone short on space. Most of the work can be done using a circular saw, drill, and a pocket hole jig.
Even better, it’s a one-day build that brings immediate results. By the end of the afternoon, you’ll have a cleaner, more efficient kitchen layout—and a drawer that’ll likely become one of the most-used parts of the room.
Support Brady by visiting his website, buying his plans, and viewing his offerings: https://bradyhommel.com/.